Weekly People Update: Amy Hutching – ‘I survived anorexia’

Noticeably healthier and 10kg heavier, Amy Hutching, who was diagnosed with anorexia in August, is positive about what the new year will bring.

The Christchurch woman grew up loving food and her family often joked she would never suffer from an eating disorder. When Amy (27) was diagnosed with anorexia and nearly lost her life, it came as a huge shock to everyone.

Dropping from 85kg to 45kg, she only sought medical help after family and friends pleaded with her. Her situation had been so dire, doctors were surprised she was still alive. If she hadn’t seen them when she did, Amy would certainly have died – within 30 minutes of seeking outside help, her body just shut down.

“I didn’t realise how badly I was treating my body. I was in denial. I knew I had a problem, and I didn’t really know what it was,” she explains.

Since she first spoke to the Weekly, Amy has spent the last seven weeks in an eating-disorder ward in Christchurch.

“Going to hospital was the best thing I did,” she says.

“I learned so much about myself. I look at the mirror now, and feel and look much better. I am happy with how much I’ve improved.”